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Quick answer: If your child loved The One and Only Ivan, try The Wild Robot, Charlotte's Web, Pax, The Tale of Despereaux, Wishtree and Because of Winn-Dixie. They are warm animal stories with real heart.
Katherine Applegate's 2012 Newbery winner is narrated by Ivan, a gorilla in a mall who paints and befriends a baby elephant. It is short, poetic and based on a true story. Kids who love it want more animal tales with emotion. These 15 books suit ages 7 to 12. Some have sad moments.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The One and Only Bob | Katherine Applegate | 7-11 | the sequel |
| Wishtree | Katherine Applegate | 8-12 | readers who like narrators |
| Crenshaw | Katherine Applegate | 8-12 | readers who like imagination |
| The Wild Robot | Peter Brown | 7-11 | readers who like nature |
| Charlotte's Web | E.B. White | 6-10 | readers who want a classic |
| Pax | Sara Pennypacker | 9-13 | readers who love foxes |
| The Tale of Despereaux | Kate DiCamillo | 8-12 | readers who like fairy tales |
| Because of Winn-Dixie | Kate DiCamillo | 8-12 | dog lovers |
| A Dog's Purpose | W. Bruce Cameron | 10+ | readers who like dogs |
| Shiloh | Phyllis Reynolds Naylor | 8-12 | readers who like dogs |
| Stone Fox | John Reynolds Gardiner | 8-12 | readers who like short books |
| Lassie Come-Home | Eric Knight | 8-12 | dog lovers |
| Hachiko Waits | Lesléa Newman | 7-10 | readers who like true stories |
| Bambi | Felix Salten | 9-13 | readers who want a classic |
| Black Beauty | Anna Sewell | 8-12 | horse lovers |
1. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
A sequel narrated by Bob, the funny dog from the first book. Sweet and humorous.
Best for: the sequel.
2. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
A red oak tree named Red narrates a story about welcoming a new family. Gentle and thoughtful.
Best for: readers who like narrators.
3. Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
A boy and his imaginary giant cat face hard times. Tender and funny.
Best for: readers who like imagination.
4. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
A robot learns to live with animals on an island. Short and touching.
Best for: readers who like nature.
5. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Wilbur the pig is saved by a clever spider named Charlotte. The classic about friendship and loss.
Best for: readers who want a classic.
6. Pax by Sara Pennypacker
A boy and his pet fox are separated during a war. Emotional and illustrated.
Best for: readers who love foxes.
7. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
A tiny mouse who loves music and a princess is sent to the dungeon. Funny and moving.
Best for: readers who like fairy tales.
8. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
India Opal Buloni adopts a stray dog and makes friends in a small town. Warm and funny.
Best for: dog lovers.
9. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
A dog is reborn many times, learning each life's purpose. Sad and sweet.
Best for: readers who like dogs.
10. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Marty finds a beagle that is being abused and wants to save him. Gentle and moral.
Best for: readers who like dogs.
11. Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
A boy enters a dog sled race to save his grandfather's farm. Short and moving.
Best for: readers who like short books.
12. Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight
A collie travels hundreds of miles to return to her family. A heartfelt classic.
Best for: dog lovers.
13. Hachiko Waits by Lesléa Newman
The true story of a loyal Japanese dog who waited for his owner. Short and moving.
Best for: readers who like true stories.
14. Bambi by Felix Salten
A young deer grows up in the forest. A classic with sadness and beauty.
Best for: readers who want a classic.
15. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
A horse tells his life story in Victorian England. A classic that promoted kindness to animals.
Best for: horse lovers.
How to Choose
For more Applegate, read The One and Only Bob or Wishtree. For animal narrators, try Black Beauty or The Wild Robot. For dog stories, read Because of Winn-Dixie or Shiloh. A simple plan is to read the first chapter aloud, then let your child read the rest. Several of these books contain sad scenes, so be ready to talk. A gentle activity is to visit a local zoo or sanctuary after reading, or to learn about gorilla conservation. Audiobooks are widely available. Talk about how the animals feel, and why they need good care. If your child enjoys the short, poem-like chapters, follow with another verse novel such as Home of the Brave. Reading with a drawing pad lets kids sketch Ivan's art.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The One and Only Ivan a true story?
It is based on the real gorilla Ivan, who lived in a mall in Washington state before moving to Zoo Atlanta.
What age is it for?
It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Is it a sad book?
It has sad moments but ends with hope.
Is there a movie?
Yes. A 2020 Disney film adapted it.
How can I talk to a child about sad animal stories?
Ask what they felt and why, and remind them that stories can help us care about real animals.
What awards did Ivan win?
The One and Only Ivan won the Newbery Medal in 2013.
How long is the book?
About 300 pages, but the short chapters make it quick.